E.coli outbreak linked to lettuce

A recent outbreak of E.coli in Canada was linked to the consumption of romaine lettuce

The recent outbreak of E.coli in Miramichi in Canada is a timely reminder of the importance of taking out
medical travel insurance when going on holiday.

It has now been revealed that the source of the contamination is likely to have been romaine lettuce after the Department of Health conducted tests.

It emerged that all those people examined who were sick with E.coli had consumed romaine lettuce.

Dr Eilish Cleary, chief medical officer of health, said: "The lettuce was used in salads, as an ingredient in wraps and hamburgers and as a garnish. These results indicate a strong likelihood that contaminated lettuce was served at the restaurant."

Some 55 people were tested for the study, 18 of whom were sick. The Public Health Agency of Canada helped the province's health department on the control study. The experts focused on the food items eaten by those who ate at Jungle Jim's restaurant in Miramichi between April 23 and 26.

The Department of Health went on to say that the findings from the study would be used to improve safety measures.